Intellectual Property Senior Counsel

Join to apply for the Intellectual Property Senior Counsel role at Focused EnergyJoin to apply for the Intellectual Property Senior Counsel role at Focused EnergyFocused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. The founders include two highly renowned scientists and a long-time entrepreneur and founder of several successful startups. With the use and commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply.We are seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to build and lead our IP strategy. As the first in-house legal hire focused on intellectual property, you will collaborate closely with technical leaders, educate the broader team on IP best practices, and drive systems that safeguard our innovations. This role blends hands-on execution with cross-functional training and influence — a strong fit for someone eager to shape IP culture in a fast-moving, science-driven environment.What you’ll do:IP Strategy & Portfolio Management: Develop and execute our global intellectual property strategy, identify key innovations, and manage our growing patent and trade secret portfolio in collaboration with external counsel.Team Training & IP Culture Building: Lead internal training and awareness initiatives to embed strong IP practices across engineering, science, and business teams.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, engineering, partnerships, and leadership to integrate IP considerations into product development and external collaborations.Process & Policy Development: Establish scalable processes for invention disclosures, IP governance, and confidentiality, including documentation and onboarding materials.Risk & Compliance Support: Provide guidance on IP-related risks, including third-party IP exposure, freedom-to-operate, and alignment with export control and regulatory frameworks.Who you are:Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active membership in a recognized bar association. Preference for licensure in the State of California and active membership in good standing with the California Bar Association.7+ years of experience in intellectual property law, with a strong track record in patent strategy and portfolio management.Experience working with R&D or technical teams in high-innovation environments.Demonstrated ability to translate technical concepts into patentable ideas and IP assets.Strong communicator who can educate and influence across disciplines and seniority fortable operating independently in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.JD or relevant legal degree with USPTO registration or equivalent IP credentialing.Preferred: Experience in energy, deep tech, scientific research, or hardware-related industries.Preferred: Familiarity with export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) and their relationship to IP and technology transfer.Preferred: Experience supporting global or cross-border IP filings, including in the EU or Germany.Preferred: Background in physics, engineering, or similar technical discipline is a strong plus.Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction pensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.Seniority levelSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionLegalReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Focused Energy by 2xGet notified about new Senior Intellectual Property Counsel jobs in Redwood City, CA.San Francisco, CA $190,000.00-$292,000.00 4 days agoMountain View, CA $172,000.00-$280,000.00 4 days agoSan Francisco Bay Area $130,000.00-$150,000.00 2 weeks agoLegal Counsel -Private Equity Firm-In HouseSan Francisco, CA $275,000.00-$350,000.00 5 days agoSan Francisco Bay Area $115,000.00-$165,000.00 2 weeks agoFoster City, CA $183,000.00-$220,000.00 2 weeks agoFremont, CA $140,000.00-$180,000.00 1 week agoSan Francisco, CA $165,000.00-$250,000.00 2 weeks agoAssociate General Counsel, Corporate M&AMenlo Park, CA $226,000.00-$304,000.00 2 weeks agoSan Mateo, CA $177,980.00-$207,610.00 1 day agoGlobal Privacy Counsel, Regulatory InvestigationsSan Jose, CA $140,000.00-$240,000.00 3 weeks agoAssociate General Counsel, Corporate M&ASan Francisco, CA $226,000.00-$304,000.00 2 weeks agoLitigation Counsel, Intellectual Property & LicensingSan Francisco Bay Area $248,000.00-$279,000.00 2 weeks agoSenior Counsel, Business & Legal Affairs (Ad Product Counsel)San Jose, CA $240,000.00-$264,000.00 1 week agoSan Jose, CA $123,500.00-$212,850.00 2 weeks agoMountain View, CA $150,000.00-$210,000.00 1 week agoSanta Clara, CA $100,000.00-$500,000.00 2 days agoSan Jose, CA $170,667.00-$319,200.00 3 days agoSan Mateo, CA $145,000.00-$175,000.00 1 week agoSan Francisco, CA $193,500.00-$238,500.00 2 weeks agoSan Francisco, CA $147,000.00-$259,000.00 2 weeks agoPalo Alto, CA $235,000.00-$365,000.00 2 weeks agoSan Jose, CA $150,000.00-$200,000.00 1 week agoWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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Created: 2025-10-08